READ: Isa. 51:1–11: … For the Lord will comfort Zion … My salvation has gone forth, and My arms will judge the peoples … For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, the earth will grow old like a garment … So the ransomed of the Lord shall return …
The pursuit of righteousness is an expression of a living faith that seeks the Lord, loves Him, and desires to obey Him. That includes choosing repentance over sin. Those who have such an active faith are here urged by the LORD to reflect on their origin.
That means: they must remember that they descend from Abraham and Sarah, who were called by the LORD out of Ur of the Chaldeans.
When Abraham had no children and Sarah seemed barren, he received from the LORD the blessed promise of a great offspring. That promise still stands, even now that Zion lies in ruins. But Zion will change, for God gives cause for great joy and thanksgiving by making Zion into a garden of delight.
In verse 4 God’s people are called to listen to the LORD. He makes His will known to them: “My justice will be a light to the peoples,” that is, God’s grace and truth will be proclaimed through Jesus Christ as the way of redemption.
That redemption (righteousness) is near. Salvation or deliverance is synonymous with redeeming righteousness. Where God’s justice triumphs, true happiness begins.
But the opposite is also true: there is punitive righteousness upon sin without repentance: “My arms shall judge the peoples.” Yet among these peoples there will be those who hope in God (the coastlands).
Creation will pass away, but God’s salvation—His righteousness—will endure forever (v.6; cf. Luk. 21:33; 2 Pet. 3:13).
The true Israel is addressed in verse 7. They should not fear reproach or insult, for those are temporary. God’s righteousness and salvation, however, last forever.
From verse 9 onward a song of praise is heard to the power of the arm of the LORD. He will cause those He has redeemed to return to Zion. Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; sorrow shall flee away.
When will there be no more reason for sorrow?
Sing: Ps. 23:3